EELS legend Nathan Cayless — the newest addition to the Eels Hall of Fame — has paid tribute to his family for his success during his career.

Cayless, who still holds the record for most games as a captain in the NRL, was inducted into the Hall of Fame at a gala event last week.

"My mum and dad made a huge sacrifice for my brother and I to move over [from New Zealand] and for us to make an even better life," Cayless said.

"And we had to make the most of that.

"I can't thank them enough, and my wife and my family and my kids.

"At the end of the day you don't play the game for these sort of things: you play it for the teammates and for the fans and the members.

"They're the ones that support us through thick and thin and I'm just so glad that I could be involved with such a great club."

As one legend entered the Hall of Fame, another legend was elevated into elite company with Michael Cronin named the inaugural Champion of Parramatta.

The Gerringong product played 216 games for the blue and gold and was a key members in the Eels' four premiership wins in the 1980s. The goal-kicking centre still holds the record for most points for the club.

"It's a little bit embarrassing, but also humbling," Cronin said.

"You see all the players that have been at this club, and I see it as a great honour and I accept it as that."

The late Jack Argent, the club's first president and often referred to with the phrase "The house that Jack built", was also a special inductee into the Hall of Fame.